The key to success? Experience, experience, experience. It is impossible to overemphasize the impact that experience will have on your job search - obtain as much professional experience as possible. There are countless avenues for obtaining it; you are only limited by your energy and resourcefulness. A few general areas to consider exploring for those pursuing Animal Training & Enrichment, Wildlife Rehabilitation or Zoo & Aquarium Science:

• Zoos and Aquariums (accredited and otherwise)
• Animal Shelters & SPCA Facilities
• Government Agencies
  • Federal agencies, such as USFWS & USDA
  • State agencies, such as the Game Commission and DCNR
• Museums (natural history, natural sciences, etc.)
• Retail pet trade, kennels, local trainers
• Park systems - often hire naturalists and environmental educators
  • Federal parks (such as Yellowstone)
  • Parks run by your state, county or city
• Wildlife refuges (associated with US Fish and Wildlife Service)
• Wildlife rehabilitation centers
• Veterinary clinics, for experience with handling, restraint and basic medical & wellness procedures.
• Private centers, such as the Audubon Societies.
• Societies - for birds, mammals, herps, conservation, etc. - they often post jobs, see their newsletters or published journals.

Are you interested in Animal Assisted Therapy? Look for existing AAT/E/A programs through national listings (such as the search available at the Delta Society State Search), or locally at schools, hospitals, nursing homes and assisted living centers. Or contact your professor at ABI for more specific search strategies and guidance.

In addition, there are a great many other organizations that offer valuable experience. Some provide housing or a stipend, others are volunteer. For more information on any particular program, use the web links below. Keep in mind that these are examples - by no means is this an exhaustive list!